United States Naval Academy

Brain Injury Awareness Month is drawing to a close. I hope that you have taken the time to look at a few websites, read a journal article or attend a talk or two to learn more about concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. The Brain Injury Association of Maryland’s conference last week was a tremendous success. Attendees told me about some exceptional presentations: Brianna Scurry’s personal story of recovery, Dr. Jeff Barth’s research data on concussion as people age, HeadFirst’s own Dr. Robert Graw’s presentation on a community-based concussion clinic and Dr. Kevin Crutchfield’s talk on cervical injuries.

Sadly, we are reminded all too often that brain injuries can affect anyone, at any time, even those close to home. Close to us here in Maryland are two midshipman from the U.S. Naval Academy who have been affected. Please keep in your thoughts and prayers MIDN William McKamey, a Naval Academy football player suffered a neurological event while at practice three days ago and succumbed to his injuries at University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore on Tuesday, March 25th. Also please keep in your thoughts MIDN Hans Loewen, who sustained a severe brain injury while skateboarding and is being treated at the same medical center. We pray for the McKamey and Loewen families, the Naval Academy football coaches and team, and their Naval Academy Family.